Gold falls as worries build over Europe's crisis

NEW YORK (AP) — Gold prices are falling a second day as the prospect of credit downgrades creates more pressure for European leaders to agree on a plan to solve the region's financial crisis.

Gold ended Tuesday down $2.70 at $1,731.80 an ounce. Other metals were mixed while oil, gasoline, wheat and corn were higher.

Standard & Poor's credit rating agency says it might downgrade the ratings of Europe's bailout fund and 15 countries that use the euro, including Germany and France.

Many investors are awaiting the outcome of a summit Friday where European leaders will debate the best way to restore confidence in the euro. Analysts say positive developments from the summit could trigger a rally in commodities.